[leeoniya]

unless you have actual experience in helping, your "help" can quickly become a liability, no matter how well intentioned.

not to say you shouldnt get a rescue cert, but that alone is insufficient if you have no actual and recent or long term experience.

[shkkmo]

On the flip side, if you have never tried to rescue an unconscious diver and have to do it for the first time without any training, you are not going to have the luxury of making all the mistakes you will make in the rescue class.

While a cert is no substitute for experience, if you are going to gain that experience, it is much better to have a cert than not.